Stake / Ward Tools

Green Valley Stake

EMERGENCY PLAN

Revision 9/12/2024

Table of Contents

1.0	INTRODUCTION	3
1.1.	Church Emergency Planning Resources	3
1.2.	Community Emergency Planning Resources	3
2.0	LIKELY DISASTERS	4
2.1.	High Winds and Other Climate Hazards	4
2.2.	Floods	4
2.3.	Dam Failure	4
2.4.	Earthquakes	4
2.5.	Soil Liquefaction	4
2.6.	Shortages	5
2.7.	Power Outages	5
2.8.	Pandemic	5
3.0	EMERGENCY PLANS AND CRITICAL INFORMATION	6
3.1.	Stake and Ward Emergency Plans	6
3.2.	Emergency Contact Information	6
3.3.	Stake and Ward Maps	6
3.4.	Equipment, Skills, and Communication Resources	8
4.0	ASSIGNMENTS AND PROCEDURES	9
4.1.	Area Presidency and Area Seventy	9
4.2.	Stake Presidency and Stake Council	10
4.3.	Bishopric and Ward Council	10
4.4.	Elders Quorum and Relief Society Presidencies	11
4.5.	Ministering Brothers and Sisters	11
4.6.	Members and Neighbors	11
5.0	EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION AND RESPONSE	12
5.1.	Communication Guidelines	12
5.2.	Emergency Assessment and Response	12
6.0	MEMBER EMERGENCY PREPARATION	13
6.1.	In Case of Emergency	13
6.2.	Family Emergency Preparation	13
6.3.	Family Preparedness Resources	13
APPENDIX 1:	STATUS OF WARD EMERGENCY PLANS	14

1. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of Church emergency response efforts is to relieve suffering following disasters by providing life-sustaining resources and support. Area and stake priesthood leaders direct Church emergency preparation and response efforts. They coordinate closely with their assigned area welfare and self-reliance manager.

This stake emergency plan should be reviewed and updated regularly. The Stake Council, stake emergency preparedness coordinator, and stake emergency preparation specialists should ensure that this plan is up to date.

1. Church Emergency Planning Resources

The following resources are available to help stake leaders develop emergency plans and prepare for emergencies:

• Church General Handbook

• Section 22.9.1.3, Respond to Emergencies
• Section 22.4, Principles for Providing Church Assistance

• Church Emergency Response
• Church Emergency Response Procedures

• Emergency Communication Guidelines
• Use of Church Buildings
• Disaster Cleanup Guidelines—Church Volunteers

• Stake and Ward Preparedness Planning Guide and Worksheets
• Temporal Preparedness Resources
• Utah Area Temporal Preparedness Guide
• Ministering Guide for Someone in Crisis
• Provident Living (family emergency preparedness and response)

2. Community Emergency Planning Resources

• St. George City – Be Prepared
• St. George City Emergency Operations Plan
• Washington County Emergency Plans
• Utah Department of Public Safety Emergency Management
• Recovery in the State of Utah
• Be Ready Utah (excellent website for family emergency plans, communication plans, 72-hour kits, earthquake preparedness, flood preparedness, car survival, etc.)
• Ready.gov (family emergency plans, 72-hour kits, etc.)
• Red Cross
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

1. LIKELY DISASTERS

The types of disasters most likely to occur in St. George City include earthquakes, fires, floods, weather- related emergencies, and chemical spills. The Stake Council and emergency preparedness specialists should consider each type of disaster and identify specific response actions that could be needed.

Localized emergencies are those that affect only a few homes and families. In these cases, it is expected that communications will be normal and that local resources (neighbors, fire department, hospitals, etc.) will be available to respond. Widespread emergencies are those that affect many homes or the entire community. In these cases, it is expected that communications are impacted and that local resources may not be available.

1. High Winds and Other Climate Hazards

St. George is prone to the effects of severe weather. These are usually thunderstorms. The city is also prone to severe windstorms referred to as “East Winds.”  Severe storms result in secondary problems dealing with power, heating, and travel.

2. Floods

The potential for flooding due to spring runoff and especially from summer thunderstorms is high in St. George City. Aging agriculture irrigation canals are prevalent throughout Washington County. As farmlands are developed, the infrastructure remains to supply water to farmers downstream. These canals can fail, inundating down slope property.  St. George Santa Clara Field Canal Company maintains a large irrigation ditch running through St. George City along the southern hillside. Any incident causing a break in this line would likely result in massive flooding.

3. Dam Failure

There is one water feature affecting Green Valley that is considered to be a dam. This is an open irrigation reservoir.

4. Earthquakes

Washington County is located in the southwestern corner of Utah.   Major traffic arteries run north and south of the county.  A major earthquake in the area would result in loss of life and in millions of dollars in damage to residential structures, businesses, industries, and critical infrastructure.

5. Soil Liquefaction

Liquefaction occurs when there is a sudden large decrease in shear strength of sandy soils caused by the collapse of the soils structure, in which the soil loses its bearing capacity, and also by a temporary increase in pore-water pressure, or water saturation during earthquake ground shaking. Liquefaction is common in areas of shallow ground water and sandy or silty sediments. The result is that soils will flow even on the gentlest of slopes. Lateral spreading is a type of failure that results in surficial soil layers breaking up and moving up to three feet (3’) or more, independently over the liquefied layer. On slopes more than five percent (5%), flow failures can move miles of soil at up to tens of miles per hour. On slopes less than 0.5 percent the bearing capacity will lessen and can cause buildings to settle or tip. No matter the slope percent, ground cracking and differential settlement will occur. Liquefaction can also cause foundation materials to liquefy and fail and/or cause sand boils. Sand boils are deposits of sandy sediment ejected to the surface during an earthquake along fissures. Liquefaction can occur during earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater.

6. Shortages

The shortage of energy, food, and water supplies could threaten the welfare of the citizens of St. George. The dependency upon out-of-state resources can become a problem when normal deliveries are interrupted.

7. Power Outages

Power outages are a common occurrence and are generally short lived. In the event of an extended outage, the Fire Stations are equipped with backup generators. The city also has one portable generator that can be used for various needs.

8. Pandemic

COVID, influenza or other pandemic could substantially disrupt the community. Potential consequences include severe stress on the ability of hospitals and health care providers to care for the sick and disruption of essential community services. Slowing the spread of the pandemic virus could potentially reduce the number of people who become ill. Measures to slow the spread of the pandemic virus which themselves interrupt community activities (e.g., school closures, home isolation/quarantine, event cancellations, facility closures) can have adverse economic and social effects.

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1. EMERGENCY PLANS AND CRITICAL INFORMATION

1. Stake and Ward Emergency Plans

The stake and each ward should develop and maintain a simple on-line plan to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Church’s Stake and Ward Preparedness Planning Guide and Worksheets should be used along with other available resources. Stake and ward plans should be coordinated with plans in the community. Leaders should consider calling welfare specialists to assist with emergency response efforts.

As part of their emergency plans, the stake and wards should maintain the following critical information:

• Emergency Contact Information
• Church and Community Resources
• Stake and Ward Maps
• Members and Neighbors with Special Needs
• Equipment, Skills, and Communication Resources

2. Emergency Contact Information

Each leader and family should have readily available the contact information for local emergency resources, family members and nearby neighbors.

3. Stake and Ward Maps

Stake Center – Stake emergency coordination location

Other Meetinghouses – As needed

4. Equipment, Skills, and Communication Resources

Each ward should identify members and neighbors with equipment or skills (such as medical or emergency response training) that would be useful in emergency response or cleanup efforts. The stake will gather and organize this information and make these lists available in times of need. For example:

Ward	Skill or Equipment	Name/Location	Contact Info
	CERT Training
	Block Captain or RDAP Training
	Medical Training
	First Aid Training
	CPR Training
	Ham Radio
	Dewatering Pump
	Portable Generator
	Blowers & Fans
	Heavy Equipment
	Other

1. ASSIGNMENTS AND PROCEDURES

Area leaders provide disaster warning, preparation information, response plans, and necessary assistance to the stake. The stake president oversees Church emergency preparation, communication, and response within the stake. The bishop oversees preparation, communication, and response at the ward level. Stake and ward emergency specialists assist the stake president and bishops to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Stake and ward service coordinators may also be utilized to coordinate temporal assistance.

1. Area Presidency and Area Seventy

Before an Emergency (Preparation)	After an Emergency (Response)
Provide disaster warnings, preparation information, and response plans.	Coordinate with stake president to provide needed assistance.

2. Stake Presidency and Stake Council

With assistance from the stake emergency coordinator and emergency specialists.

Before an Emergency (Preparation)

After an Emergency (Response)

Develop and maintain a stake emergency plan and be prepared to implement the plan. Ensure that each ward has an updated emergency plan and is prepared to implement the plan. Coordinate and cooperate with Church and city emergency planners and responders. Provide training for ward emergency coordinators. Gather stake emergency contact information, those with special needs, available resources, etc. Teach self -reliance, temporal preparedness, and emergency preparedness skills and principles (see Section 7.0). Encourage stake and ward members to develop a family emergency plan and gather emergency supplies (see Section 6).

Implement the stake emergency plan. Oversee stake assessment and relief efforts through ecclesiastical and community channels. Provide support for bishops and other ward leaders to assess critical needs and provide immediate relief. Locate and provide needed resources such as water, food, shelter, sanitation, etc. Provide necessary long-term support and relief through the elder’s quorum and Relief Society organizations. Report the conditions and needs of stake members to the Area Seventy or Area Presidency.

3. Bishopric and Ward Council

With assistance from the ward emergency coordinator and emergency specialists.

Before an Emergency (Preparation)

After an Emergency (Response)

Review the stake emergency plan and develop a simple ward emergency plan. Oversee the efforts of the EQ and RS presidencies to implement the ward emergency plan. Help individuals and families become self- reliant and prepare for emergencies (see Section 6). Help gather neighbor contact information, identify those with special needs, and identify neighbors with skills that could help with response and recovery (medical, equipment, utilities, etc.)

Implement the ward emergency plan. Oversee ward assessment and relief efforts. Work with the elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies to provide immediate assessment and relief. Help to locate and reunite family members who have become separated. Provide needed accommodations such as water, food, shelter, sanitation, etc. Provide necessary long-term recovery and relief. Report the conditions and needs of ward members to the Stake President

4. Elders Quorum and Relief Society Presidencies

Before an Emergency (Preparation)

After an Emergency (Response)

Review and be prepared to implement the ward emergency plan. Oversee the efforts of the ward emergency preparation coordinator and emergency specialists, if called. Help individuals and families become self- reliant and prepare for emergencies (see Section 6). Help gather neighbor contact information, identify those with special needs, and identify neighbors with skills that could help with response and recovery (medical, equipment, utilities, etc.) Train ministering brothers and sisters on their responsibilities to assess and help the families to which they are assigned.

Coordinate with the bishopric and ward council to provided needed assessment and relief. Contact each ministering companionship to request help with initial assessments and assistance. Report the conditions and needs of ward members to the bishopric and ward council.

5. Ministering Brothers and Sisters

Before an Emergency (Preparation)	After an Emergency (Response)
Encourage families to prepare for emergencies (see Section 6.0). Request and share emergency contact information if possible.	Visit or contact each family to assess needs. Report the conditions and needs of ministering families to the elders quorum and/or Relief Society presidency.

6. Members and Neighbors

Before an Emergency (Preparation)	After an Emergency (Response)
Conduct family emergency planning and exercises. Prepare 72-hour kits and emergency food supply. Obtain first aid and CPR training. Learn how to turn off home water, electricity, and gas sources.	Provide for own family needs. Contact and provide for immediate lifesaving care for neighbors and ministering families. Contact emergency responders (dial 911). Contact ward leaders and assist in volunteer efforts.

1. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION AND RESPONSE

5.1        Communication Guidelines

During a disaster, normal means of communication may become inoperable; however, the need to communicate with Church leaders, missionaries, members, employees, civil authorities, and others is greatly increased.

The stake president or bishop may call members of the stake or ward to be communication specialists who may own communications equipment and possess valuable experience. Alternative communication methods will be needed in case phone lines, cellular phone service, or vehicle transportation routes are disrupted during a disaster. Such methods may include:

• Civil alert notification (e.g., CodeRED, IPAWS)
• Cell phone
• Landline phone
• SMS/Test Messaging (may be available even if voice service is not).
• Internet communications (including email, social media, Skype, web conferencing)
• Satellite phone.
• Amateur (HAM) radio.
• Family band (FRS) radio.
• Personal contact via foot, bicycle, etc. (Full-time missionaries can also help.)

If needed, bishops and the stake president will communicate locally using FRS channel 7-35. A radio has been provided for each bishop’s office. This equipment should be checked at least annually.

5.2        Emergency Assessment and Response

Evaluate the status of missionaries and members (deaths, injuries, psychosocial needs), members’ property, Church facilities, and the community at large (giving extra attention to Church members with special needs, such as those who are elderly, homebound, disabled, or single parents).

Communicate this evaluation information as soon as possible to the Area Seventy, who in turn will inform the Area Presidency, the director for temporal affairs, and the welfare and self-reliance manager.

6.0        MEMBER EMERGENCY PREPARATION

Preparedness includes developing a plan for how to take care of basic needs during an emergency. Members are encouraged to build both a short-term and longer-term supply of food, water, and other necessities. For more information, see “Temporal Preparedness Resources.”

1. In Case of Emergency…

1. Move to a safe place.
2. Help injured persons.
3. Contact family members.
4. Check with immediate neighbors and assigned ministering families.
5. Contact RS and/or priesthood leaders.
6. Help with cleanup and recovery.

2. Family Emergency Preparation

Ward members are encouraged to plan and prepare for emergencies. This preparation may include:

• Make a family emergency plan (contacts, meeting locations, etc.)
• Sign up with Code Red to receive emergency notifications from St. George City
• 72-Hour Kit for each family member (food, water, clothing, medications, etc.)
• Lifesaving medical skills (first aid, CPR, etc.)
• Three-month supply of food that is part of your normal daily diet
• Drinking water
• Emergency financial reserves
• Medication and first aid supplies
• Clothing and bedding
• Important documents
• Longer-term supply of basic food items

3. Family Preparedness Resources

The following resources are available to help with family emergency preparedness:

• All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage (04008)
• All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances (04007)
• www.providentliving.org (family emergency preparedness and response)
• www.bereadyutah.gov (excellent website for family emergency plans, communication plans, 72-hour kits, earthquake preparedness, flood preparedness, car survival, etc.)
• www.ready.gov (family emergency plans, 72-hour kits, etc.)
• www.fema.gov
• www.redcross.org
• www.osha.org

APPENDIX 1: STATUS OF WARD EMERGENCY PLANS

Each ward should maintain, and share with the stake, a simple ward emergency plan, list of members with special needs, and a list of members and neighbors with equipment or skills that would be critical in a disaster.

Ward	Primary Contact	Emergency Plan	Last Updated	Special Needs	Resources
GV1	Bishop Bradley Snow
GV2	Monte & Christine Hansen
GV3	Scott Gubler
GV4	Craig/Jill Harding
GV5	Bishop Tim Le Baron
GV6	Hazel Williams
GV7	Bishop Jed Hafen
GV8 Branch Retirement	President Bob Brown
GV9	Scott/Vera Buys
GV10 (Care Center)	President Wintch